Better Left Unsaid

Chapter 9

I wake up the next morning before Cat does. I'm on my back and her head is on my chest, her arm still around my stomach. She's smiling. I really don't want to move. I don't want to risk waking her up and ruining what few precious moments I have left. I move just a little, pausing for a quick moment because Cat moves too. She just moves her head up a little higher. I never really noticed how peaceful she looked asleep, so happy and quiet. I've always wondered what she dreams about. Probably unicorns, rainbows, and kittens. She sees everything in such an innocent way. I find it weird how such a fragile girl who's terrified of nearly everything can feel safe around someone as dangerous as me.

My stomach growls loudly and I know the moment's over when Cat yawns and blinks her eyes. So much for not being hungry for once. She stretches and looks up at me, still smiling.

"Morning, Sam." she says.

"Morning, kid." I say back.

She sits up and wipes her eyes. Her hair is all ruffled and slightly messy. God, I love her red curls. They somewhat remind me of red velvet cupcakes. So springy and perfect.

"Are you hungry?" I say. "It's Saturday. We can have what you want."

"Hmm…" Cat puts on this serious thinking expression that looks kinda funny coming from her. "Pancakes?"

I nod. "Sure, kid. I'll make us some pancakes." I throw the covers off my legs.

"You know how to cook?" she asks.

"Yeah, Carly taught me a thing or two about cooking." I answer. "After I managed to blow up her microwave a good three times."

"Oooh, tell me how!" Cat squeaks with excitement.

I can't hold back a smile. "Some other time. Promise."

"Kay-kay."

She follows me out of the room into the kitchen to help me set up to make the pancakes. When everything is all set, she goes into the living room and turns on the TV. Somehow it ended up on the news last night. There was a report about some idiot going around and breaking into houses.

"You don't think he'll come here, do you, Sam?" Cat asks.

"Don't worry." I say. "If he shows up, I'll knock him out with this." I swing the empty frying pan around like a weapon, making her giggle. That sound pierces straight to my heart.

Another twenty minutes go by and the food is done. I make us our plates and bring them to the couch.

"Oh, my God. Sam, they smell so good!" Cat says, taking her plate and fork and immediately tasting the pancakes. "And they taste amazing! Carly taught you well."

"Thanks, kid." I say, grinning and sitting beside her. I taste a piece of my work and nod my approval. Cat was right; Carly did teach me well.

Cat puts her plate on the table and turns to face me. "Hey, wanna play a game?"

"If dewends." I say through a mouthful of food.

"What?" she says.

I swallow and clear my throat. "It depends. What's it called?"

"Question and answer. I used to play it at camp and with my brother." she explains.

It sounds so stupid. But why not humor her? "Yeah, why not?"

"Yay!" she says. "Okay, I'll go first. Do you really have records?"

I nod. "Unfortunately, I do."

Cat doesn't look at me strangely, or stand up and run like most people would. She just...smiles at me. Like she expected that answer. "It's your turn."